Shackled (The Lord Series) by Carlos

The air leaves my lungs. I don't know who Asa is or why Ansel is reacting so out of character, but hearing the name Ophyr is enough to know that I'll protect Spencer with my life. Now that I know that my son, whom I was ready to mourn for my entire life, is not only alive but has been raised by two amazing people, I won't let anyone take him away from me.

Not even Ophyr, the one who leads the Nephilims and wants to destroy God's creation.

Not wanting to scare Spencer, I say, "We will finish dinner and talk later," my eyes fixed on my son, who is unaware of the danger he is in. The others seem to agree with me. To Ansel, I say, "We shouldn't speak like that in front of him." Ansel rubs the back of his neck. "If not for the danger we are in, I wouldn't swear. No one understands what can happen when Ophyr finds us."

"Let's talk after," I insist.

Ansel clenches his jaw and pushes his food around the plate. It's not like I don't understand, it's just that I'm trying to keep calm. If Ophyr is the being that came out of the Dybbuk Box, we are indeed in deep shit. He had eight wings, displaying them like he was the king of the peacocks, while the Nephilims trapped in the box with him attacked Camila. He didn't know it was me who he wanted. Not once did Ophyr try to come after me. Maybe it is just a coincidence that Asa met Spencer. Maybe we are not in danger. Maybe I can finally have the happy life I once dreamed of...

Maybe...

Not when Earth is in danger.

This will be a war like no one has ever seen before. I'm more determined to fight, protect not only those I love but everyone else.

After dinner, Tyson and I take Spencer to his room. We play with him, help him take a bath before we tuck him into bed, and tell him stories until he falls asleep.

For a moment, I imagine how happy Tyson and I would have been if not for the entire world against us. I doubt we would have been parents so young as we wanted to be established in our careers, but we would have lived many wonderful years discovering each other.

For what it is worth, I love having five men more than I care to admit. I am now used to being with them and doing everything with them. Even tucking in Spencer with only Tyson seems strange. The others insisted the three of us have this moment before Spencer realized he has five dads.

I kiss Spencer's forehead. "I can't believe he's alive," I murmur.

Tyson whispers, "It feels so surreal, especially since you said that he died in your arms."

I try to think of the day Spencer was born. I was in a lot of pain and there was blood everywhere. No matter how much I pushed, Spencer wouldn't come out and in the end, a cesarean was performed. The blood loss left me so weak and I slipped in and out of conscience several times while I begged for Spencer's life. The last thing I remember before passing out is Spencer stopping breathing.

A few days later, while I was mourning for Spencer, I was cut open again and my tubes were removed. After which I was given to Carlos.

"I thought so too, but he's a fighter," I say.

"Just like you."

I lean my head on Tyson's shoulder. "While I don't know why Jason gave Spencer a chance at life, I'm grateful for it."

"I'm sure Jason wanted to torment you even more with Spencer. Jon and Khloe made the right decision to move here. When we return home, I will make sure to let your father know that he failed in killing your son." I look at Tyson. There's a strange look on his face, not fear or anger, but determination. It sends a cold chill down my spine. "Let's see what Ansel has to say."

I don't want to leave Spencer, but many urgent matters require my attention.

We go to the living room, where the others are waiting for us. Grandma Khloe made coffee for everyone. While I'm not a huge caffeine fan, I feel this will be a long night. I grab a cup from the coffee table and sit between Mose and Rueben. Ansel appears lost in thought. His face looks ashen. What does he have to say that evokes such strong emotions in him? He's always so calm, but it's not only the bond that lets me know of his inner turmoil but also his body language. I take a sip of my coffee and wait for Ansel to talk.

And we wait. And wait some more.

It takes Ansel about an hour to snap out of his thoughts. "We should return to the States. All of us," he emphasizes.

My grandparents exchange glances. "Our life is here now."

"You will have no life if you stay here," Ansel snarls. "Does Asa know where you live?" he asks my grandfather, who nods. After jumping to his feet, he quickly adds, "I need to check if Asa is surveying the house," before running out of the living

room

I've never seen Ansel so nervous. It's like he's about to tell us that a nuclear war is about to start. Rueben and the rest are just as shocked as me.

"I never thought Ansel could be such a coward," Mose snickers.

Ever since Mose returned, there has been something strange about him. It's almost like he hates Ansel. So I say, "Ansel's purpose is to keep me safe. He was ready to give his life for me in the Catacombs. If he's acting like this now, he must have his reasons. If he says we should leave, we should do just that."

Mose tilts his head to the side. "You will soon learn that Ansel is not to be trusted."

Rueben chimes in. "What do you mean by that? I've known Ansel for a long time. I trust him with my life!"

"Ansel saved my ass more times than I can remember," Tyson says.

It doesn't take long for a back-and-forth to start between Mose, Rueben, and Tyson.

I glare at them, my fists clenched. "There will be no fighting between us. If we are not united, the enemy has won before the real war even starts." The argument stops. "I don't care who Ansel is. He can be Azael's son, and I would still love him."

"Maybe we should continue this conversation in the morning," Grandpa Jon finally suggests.

I rub my temples. "It's a good idea," I agree.

"I will stay a bit longer talking with Jon," Tyson says.

"Let me show you to the guest room," Grandma Khloe says.